Welcome to Cilu Bintang EstateBanda Islands - Eastern Indonesia

Where every stay is unique

Cilu Bintang Estate in the Banda islands is named after a princess popular in many Bandanese legends. Her name means ‘Beautiful Star’. Inspired by the legendary Golden Age of Spice, this charming blend of vintage architecture and modern convenience is set amidst the refreshing shadows of a lush formal nutmeg garden.

Distinguished colonial style accommodation is available for discerning travellers who choose to enjoy the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Banda Islands, yet wish to maintain certain standards of comfort and cuisine.

Located in a remote corner of eastern Indonesia is a tiny archipelago that changed the course of history. These are the Banda Islands, where the legendary Spice Routes originated. The Banda Archipelago consists of 11 islands ranging from Banda Besar – the largest – to tiny specks with only a few trees on them. 6 of the islands are inhabited. These islands are the remains of an enormous volcano. Each island has a special ambiance. All provide magnificent snorkeling and diving from white sandy beaches.

Visiting the Banda Islands is a journey into a history so vibrant it still resonates throughout the worlds great cultures. Chinese, Arab, and Indian merchants traded with these islands for thousands of years before Europeans arrived to monopolize trade. Over centuries the Spice Islands entered into mythology. Early maps show the Banda Sea as a place where ‘here be dragons and leviathans’.

Once considered among of the world’s most valuable real estate, European powers searching for the Banda Islands brought on the demise of great cities along the Spice Routes, the fall of ancient South American Empires, and the conquest of India. Visiting these islands that for thousands of years were the world’s only source of nutmeg and mace ̶ islands that changed the course of global history – is a magical experience.

Elegant accommodation and superb cuisine make Cilu Bintang Estate the obvious choice among discerning travelers visiting the Banda Islands. Bright airy rooms feature tall colonial ceilings and traditional antique style furnishings. Each mouth watering culinary delight is lovingly prepared from the freshest ingredients under the direction of a master chef. Lavishly presented from the sideboard, second – or even third – helpings are encouraged.

Four degrees south of the equator, our sails billowed to a lively southeast monsoon. A golden dawn revealed dark grey shadows on the horizon that resolved slowly into verdant green islands. Before us lay the fabulous mystical spice islands, origin of the legendary Spice Routes. Unknown 19th century traveller